Tana Lee Rutledge

Tana Lee (Thomas) Rutledge, 72, of California Mo., passed away on November 10, 2016, with her family by her side at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinic. She was born to the late Kenneth and Ethel Thomas on November 17, 1943, in California, Mo. Tana graduated from California High School in 1961 and went on to receive a Master's in Performing Arts. She married the late Jack Tom Rutledge in 1966. She and her family left California for a few years but couldn't stay away from home and returned to California in 1977. Tana worked as a secretary for the Chamber of Commerce of Little Rock Arkansas. Tana pursued many things such as attending William Woods to study law; she followed the stock market, loved the lake and boating; Tana's passion was Theater, she enjoyed acting and directing many plays. One of her great pleasures was decorating, she could look at a room and the ideas would start pouring out of her. Among one of the many things Tana enjoyed was her flowers. She took great pride in her flower garden and the fact that so many people also got to enjoy them. She found great pleasure in people photographing her garden and using her garden for their wedding ceremonies. Tana enjoyed getting the family together for meals. She loved fine dining and green jello. Tana was very proud of her grandchildren, Jackson and Jett Rutledge and her extended granddaughters, Jessica, Amanda, and Heather. Tana is survived by: her sons, James and Tiffany (Porter) Rutledge, and Kyle and Jacqueline McDaniel; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Quincy, Kyndra, Lillian, Amelia, Roman, Logan, Madison, Ayden, Tristan and Trinity; her sister, Marsha and her husband Curtis Weiss and her nieces and nephews. We will always carry her memory in our hearts. A celebration of her life was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, from 5 7 p.m., at the funeral home and a private family service will follow at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Friends of The Finke Theatre c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.